News, Notes & Quotes from
Week 3
8/27/12
Week
One | Week Two | Week
Three | Week Four
hype 1 (hip) Slang
n.
1. Exaggerated or extravagant claims made especially in advertising
or promotional material
2. Something deliberately misleading; a deception.
TCH’s sole purpose is to provide you with news and notes
from around the league for you to process into your own rankings.
If any of this news catapults you to your league championship,
call me… maybe.
Arizona Cardinals
The
News: Beanie
Wells makes his preseason debut.
The Spin: After watching Wells sit out the start of preseason
as he recovered from offseason knee surgery, Arizona will finally
get to see the combination they have in Wells and Ryan
Williams.
The Takeaway: Williams ran it three times for 15 yards and Wells
rushed six times for 12 yards. Neither set the world on fire,
so look for both to split carries and hopefully carry the load
for a Cardinals offense in desperate need of some assistance.
Like a car without tires, any assistance would be welcome.
The News: The quarterback situation is still up for grabs.
The Spin: John
Skelton got the start against Tennessee with Kevin
Kolb playing with the second team.
The Takeaway: Skelton went 4 of 10 for 41 yards. Kolb went 17
of 22 for 156 with one touchdown pass. Kolb threw two interceptions,
including one that was taken back for a score, so he has the upper
hand since, technically, he threw two more touchdowns than Skelton.
hazmat. Bad news. Stay away.
Atlanta Falcons
he
News: Coach Mike Smith says Jacquizz
Rodgers can be a three-down back.
The Spin: The little man is getting big love from his coach. The
team once again is trying to find a way to get him into the offense
without taking too much away from Michael
Turner.
The Takeaway: Rodgers had four rushes for four yards and one catch
for 18 yards. Of course he can be a three-down back, just not
in a row.
The News: The Falcons really wanted to look at Julio
Jones.
The Spin: He had four catches for 90 yards and was targeted nine
times. The growing buzz about Jones continues to grow.
The Takeaway: The Falcons and Matt
Ryan have been throwing the ball all over this preseason.
The offense looks a little more pass happy, which can only work
in Jones’ favor. They just need to keep his hamstrings loose.
Baltimore Ravens
The
News: Joe
Flacco is looking better than ever.
The Spin: Joe Flacco would’ve finished the game with 16
points in standard scoring, which is especially great considering
the offense is playing vanilla preseason football and he didn’t
even finish three quarters.
The Takeaway: Joe Flacco is likely going to finish as a top-10
quarterback and he’s ranked 18th overall. You will likely
be able to take Flacco in the 12th round and will get 2nd or 3rd
round potential out of him.
The News: The Ravens release elite kicker Billy Cundiff for unproven
Justin Tucker.
The Spin: Ironically, less than a week after Cundiff was quoted
as saying, “This is really a competition with myself,”
he was beat out for the kicking job by the new kid on the block,
Justin Tucker. Ouch!
The Takeaway: Kickers are a valuable part of any real-life or
fantasy team. If you drafted Cundiff because you want whoever
the Ravens’ kicker is, then its time to hit the waiver wire.
If you picked Cundiff because you know he is a great kicker, then
hang on to him and see if he gets a job somewhere else.
Buffalo Bills
The
News: Buffalo Bills trade for Tarvaris
Jackson.
The Spin: The college all-star, Vince Young, came onto the field
losing 14-7, but exited the field losing 38-7 this week. Being
that 14 of the opponent’s points were off of VY’s
turnovers, it appears that Vince Young wasn’t good enough
to be the backup in Buffalo.
The Takeaway: If you went back in time to the National Championship
game where VY defeated USC and told him that he couldn’t
make QB #2 in Buffalo in 2012, I’m certain that you would
be the first to be assaulted through time by a football player.
If the backup QB in Buffalo has value in your league, Tarvaris
Jackson is your man.
The News: The Buffalo Bills appear to have formed a deep and
talented receiving corps.
The Spin: According to ESPN.com, “Donald Jones, rookie
T.J. Graham, and Naaman Roosevelt are all making plays in the
preseason.” This means that the Bills could have a committee
of talented wide receivers similar to the New Orleans Saints or
Green Bay Packers.
The Takeaway: The Bills will not put up league leading offensive
numbers, but they should be able to spread a lot of yards and
completions amongst numerous guys. The takeaway may actually be
negative in this respect, as limited success may mean that none
of the receivers have above average fantasy value.
Carolina Panthers
The
News: Steve
Smith is on crutches.
The Spin: An infection in his foot will cost Smith the remainder
of the preseason. The infection is bad enough that the Panthers'
head coach, Ron Rivera, said Smith wouldn’t play this week if
it were regular season.
The Takeaway: Smith is on crutches, but let’s hope those crutches
choose not to talk any trash to him. Everyone knows you don’t
want to get Smith riled up. He is just relentless. Especially
with inanimate objects that carry weight.
The News: Can Greg
Olsen become a top-tier tight end?
The Spin: Rivera has been putting Olsen in the same category as
Jimmy
Graham and Rob
Gronkowski. Their offense is wide open and Rivera believes
Olson could approach the numbers put up by those two All-Pro players.
The Takeaway: Olsen has a solid year last year with 45 catches
for 540 yards and six scores. If the offense does diversify and
grow, Olsen could be the main beneficiary. But let’s not get crazy
here, Coach.
Chicago Bears
The
News: What is happening with Alshon
Jeffery?
The Spin: One of the more intriguing rookies this season, Jeffery
looked to get some more game action against the Giants.
The Takeaway: Jeffery was held in check Friday night with one
catch for nine yards. He was targeted three times but failed to
bring down a potential touchdown pass in the first quarter.
The News: Jay
Cutler to Brandon
Marshall is happening.
The Spin: Not a great night for Cutler, going 9 of 21 for 96 yards
and struggling to get into a rhythm. Marshall was active and was
targeted 10 times, five of which he caught for 51 yards as he
and Cutler paired up for a nice-looking touchdown.
The Takeaway: I really think they will produce big numbers together
this season; that wouldn’t be a surprise. The big surprise is
how funny Cutler is in the new TV commercial for NFL apparel.
I did not see that coming.
Cincinnati Bengals
The
News: According to Matt Williamson, of Scouts Inc., “A.J.
Green will soon rival Calvin
Johnson, Larry
Fitzgerald, and Andre Johnson as the best receiver in the
NFL.”
The Spin: Matt Williamson is one of the most respected names
in NFL scouting, so when he makes statements like this, it is
unwise to ignore them. Everyone knows that Green is a prime talent,
but not many are speaking of him in the terms of receivers such
as those in the above quote.
The Takeaway: If Green can produce Calvin Johnson-like numbers
then he is absolutely a steal in the third round. Look for Green
to outperform his draft position this year.
The News: BenJarvus Green-Ellis and Jermaine Gresham are expected
to be back for Week 1.
The Spin: Both of these gentlemen have the benefit of riding
the coat tails of Andy Dalton and A.J. Green. With Green taking
the top off of the defense, Jermaine Gresham and the Law Firm
can benefit in the middle of the field.
The Takeaway: Gresham is another big and fast tight end similar
to Jermichael Finley or Brandon Pettigrew, and will show his worth
if he is healthy. In the same way, because the passing game is
improving, defenses will not be able to stack against the run
as they did against the Bengals of old. Look for both of these
players to perform above their projections if they play 16 games.
Cleveland Browns
The
News: Brandon
Weeden has to improve in order to save this team from its
own offensive line.
The Spin: The Oklahoma State standout, “looked ragged”
and “struggled to hold on to the ball” according to
ESPN’s Jamison Hensley. This is mostly due to the same horrendous
line play that will prevent Trent Richardson from meeting the
expectations of his fantasy owners.
The Takeaway: Weeden, reportedly the best thing to happen to
the Cleveland Browns since Vinny Testaverde, is the annual preordained
savior of the Cleveland Browns. Cleveland fans will know that
every year is the year that X quarterback will save the day and
return the Browns to glory. If Weeden truly is the quarterback
to pull the proverbial sword from the stone, he’s going to have
to do a very good Ben
Roethlisberger imitation.
The News: Josh Gordon may be the #2 wide receiver next to Greg
Little.
The Spin: Gordon looks poised to instill some hope in Cleveland
this year, after scoring a 28-yard touchdown against the pressing
Nnamdi Asomugha.
The Takeaway: In addition to Richardson, Weeden, and Greg
Little, the newly involved Gordon is looking for a spot on
your fantasy team this year too. He’s a later-round flier in your
fantasy draft.
Dallas Cowboys
The
News: Injuries to the receiving corps.
The Spin: Dez
Bryant has patella tendinitis and Miles
Austin has hamstring injuries, and it looks like both will
miss the remainder of the preseason. Add Jason
Witten’s spleen injury and suddenly Tony
Romo doesn’t have many legitimate weapons.
The Takeaway: Hello Dwayne
Harris. The second-year wide receiver took full advantage
of his chances, hauling in three catches for 118 yards and a pair
of good-looking scores. Even when Bryant and Austin get back,
Harris might be a player to keep your eyes on to fill that Laurent
Robinson role from last year.
The News: How is the offensive line coming along?
The Spin: A trouble spot last year, the play of the line will
help dictate how far the team goes this year. From establishing
the running game to protecting Romo, the Rams game could show
what kind of shape they are in.
The Takeaway: The line looked better. Romo had time to throw,
going 9 of 13 for 198 and a pair of touchdowns. The run game was
clicking, with Felix
Jones and DeMarco
Murray combing for 11 carries for 60 yards. Dallas fans hope
this trend continues because as the line goes, so does the offense.
Denver Broncos
The
News: Eric
Decker was phenomenal against a great San Francisco defense.
The Spin: According to Bill Williamson of ESPN.com, “Eric
Decker looked good against a strong defense as he had two touchdown
catches from Manning.”
The Takeaway: This week, Decker proved why he lines up next to
the physically impressive Demariyus Thomas. His play was impressive
as he scored while fighting off defenders on quick-out passes.
The News: Peyton Manning took big hits like they were nothing.
The Spin: If you get hit by 49ers linemen, you get hit hard.
The 9ers drove Manning right into the ground and he stood back
up and threw a touchdown. In addition, Manning was able to throw
to his right as if he didn’t have a nerve injury that kept
him out for the entire penultimate season.
The Takeaway: Peyton appears to be back to 2010 form, at least
as far as this preseason has taken him. I don’t know if
Eric Decker and Demariyus Thomas can be the new Reggie Wayne and
Marvin Harrison, but if Manning is truly back to form then he
is undervalued as the 11th overall QB.
Detroit Lions
The
News: Mikel
Leshoure hits the field against the Raiders.
The Spin: The oft-nicked up second-year back saw action against
the Raiders Saturday in hopes of getting himself ready for the
start of the regular season. After injuring his Achilles last
year, he has had hamstring issues so far this preseason. With
Jahvid Best’s future uncertain, the Lions would love to
see Leshoure thrive as Kevin Smith’s backup.
The News: Leshoure did play, but with very limited results: five
carries for one yard and one catch for six yards. He will miss
the first two games of the year serving a drug related suspension.
Smith left the game with an ankle injury (x-rays were negative)
so Leshoure might get more opportunities if Smith can’t
stay healthy.
Green Bay Packers
The
News: James
Starks has turf toe, which will keep him out a few weeks.
The Spin: Two questions now swirl regarding Cedric Benson. What
will his role be, and how much does he have left in the tank?
The Takeaway: Aaron Rodgers running for a pair of scores didn’t
really open the door for anyone to make an impression. Benson
did run six times for 38 yards and caught one pass for 10 yards,
so that is promising. Rumors have surfaced concerning Starks’
future with the team, but such a drastic move by the team seems
likes a long shot. Benson looks like a promising prospect in a
non-running back friendly offense.
The News: Greg Jennings and Jermichael Finley are almost ready
to return.
The Spin: Jennings is trying to shake off a concussion he suffered
a few weeks back, and Finley is dealing with a sprained quad.
Having those two weapons ready for the start of the regular season
is imperative.
The Takeaway: Jennings led the team with 37 yards on a pair of
catches. Finley did not play due to the birth of his child. Not
sure if he will need a doctor’s note for that.
Houston Texans
The
News: According to Randy Harvey of the Houston Chronicle,
the Texans are, “…the NFL’s most fearsome team.”
The Spin: Harvey went on to state though, that the Texans are
a fantasy team that, “fantasy players love to hate because
they never know when one one of their stars is going to leave
the field prematurely.”
The Takeaway: This is ultimate Texans fantasy wisdom. For years
the Texans have been tantalizing explosive on offense, yet cannot
keep it together for a full season. We all know the preseason
hype for Matt Schaub, Andre Johnson, and Arian Foster. Now let’s
see them do it all year.
The News: Shayne Graham, not Randy Bullock will be the place
kicker for the Texans.
The Spin: The always-reliable Shayne Graham will take kicking
duties for the season as Randy Bullock went on injured reserve
for a torn groin muscle. According to head coach Gary Kubiak,
Graham has, “done a hell of a job.”
The Takeaway: Shayne Graham should be drafted in 100% of leagues
as he will be the kicker for a fantastic offense.
Indianapolis Colts
The
News: Andrew
Luck continues to look less and less like a rookie.
The Spin: According to The Bleacher Report, Luck, “again
showed an advanced ability to navigate within the pocket and find
receivers under pressure,” and Paul Kuharsky, of ESPN.com,
added, “Luck showed poise and calm and had a good feel for
what was going on around him.”
The Takeaway: Rookie QB prospects have long been physical prospects,
and have had good football knowledge and passing comfort for years.
However, most rookie QBs even this season are not able to process
the speed of the game and the playbook as completely as Andrew
Luck. In fact, I dare say a rookie QB has never looked so in control
of an offense before he’s played one second of regular season
football.
The News: Jim Irsay likes to make mountains out of molehills.
The Spin: Jim Irsay was blowing up twitter this week about a
blockbuster trade that was going to shake the very foundation
of the NFL, civil rights, and possibly the future of the world.
Okay, that’s paraphrasing, but Irsay was really excited
about a trade that was in the works. When that trade was revealed
to be giving up a second-round pick for Dolphins cornerback Vontae
Davis, it was a little underwhelming
The Takeaway: Vontae Davis is a physical specimen and should
help bolster the Indy D/ST. That being said, with D/ST being such
a volatile position, you should ststay far away from this D/ST
even with a minor upgrade like Vontae Davis.
Jacksonville
Jaguars
The
News: Hyper-talented wide receiver Justin
Blackmon continues to dominate in the preseason.
The Spin: The rest of the offense did just a little better than
sputter, but according to NFL blogger Paul Kuharsky, “…
most encouraging was Justin Blackmon.” Blackmon caught 4
of 8 for 72 yards, but more importantly he was just an imposing
force on the football field.
The Takeaway: Blackmon has the build and mentality to be a force
similar to Brandon Marshall or Dez Bryant. He should be a steal
in most fantasy drafts this year.
The News: Maurice Jones-Drew may not be so trade-ready after
all.
The Spin: During his holdout, the season’s most auto drafted
player was paraphrased to have said that he would be open to a
trade from the Jaguars. However, now Maurice Jones-Diva is quoted
to have said, “I’d rather stay here with my team,
my family.”
The Takeaway: MJD is holding but has no leverage. He has two
years left on his contract. He will return, but he is close to
endangering his starting time nd the Jags are not going to budge.
Watch for MJD to return prior to Week 1, but when he does, he
will still likely have his worst year as a starter due to missing
so much time.
Kansas City Chiefs
The
News: The offense for the Chiefs is headed south.
The Spin: According to head coach Romeo Crennel, “we have
to get better to give ourselves a chance,” he later added
about his starters, “they were the ones who were not able
to get much done.”
The Takeaway: Despite have gobs of talent at skill positions,
there is no quarterback quality on the Chiefs and you cannot win
in the 2012 NFL without skill at QB. No matter how many great
running backs and wide receivers you have, they’re nothing
without the right guy under center. It is tough to draft any guy
in KC, simply because of how mired they are in what may be the
worst QB situation in the NFL.
The News: Jonathan Baldwin is coming of age before our eyes.
The Spin: Baldwin, who got into a fight with Thomas Jones last
year after being criticized for off-field issues all through college,
has been at the practice field getting better and learning from
veterans all camp and preseason. Jonathan was quoted to have said,
“I take a lot of notes at night. I study those notes so
that I don’t come back and make the same mistake.”
The Takeaway: With Dwayne Bowe holding out for much of training
camp, Baldwin will make strides in his second year in the league.
Miami Dolphins
The
News: Ryan
Tannehill had a 37.9 passer rating and was one of the best
players on the Dolphins’ offense.
The Spin: Tannehill actually looks like he’s a pretty good
QB, he just has no team around him. For this year at least, the
Dolphins are rebounding and may not be very productive in either
fantasy or actual football.
The Takeaway: It’s hard to get a high passer rating when
Reggie Bush probably has the best hands on your offense and isn’t
strictly a part of your receiving corps. Every time a defense
stacks against Miami’s run game, the Dolphins are going
to be in big danger of an interception or incompletion.
The News: Even the offensive line doesn’t know if the offense
is any good.
The Spin: The fantastically named Richie Incognito was incognizant
of the talent and plan for the Miami Offense after Week 3 of the
preseason. Said the guard when asked what the strength of the
offense is, “… It’s tough to tell…we’re
still searching for our identity.”
The Takeaway: The take away is to take your picks away from the
Miami Dolphins. Whoever is going to be valuable for this offense,
they will likely come off of the waiver wire in a few weeks.
Minnesota Vikings
The
News: Can Christian
Ponder improve on his solid performance last week?
The Spin: Ponder was the victim of bad line play and no running
game Friday night. He went 9 of 16 for 115 yards. He also had
a few rushes that resulted in a pair of “Get down Brittle
Bones! GET DOWN!!!” screams from the Viking faithful.
The Takeaway: With no AP and with Toby Gerhart getting limited
carries, the Chargers teed off of Ponder, getting three sacks
and hurrying him three other times. Not a great gauge of his talents
this week, but his up-and-down career continues.
The News: Adrian Peterson won’t play this preseason; what
does that mean for Toby Gerhart?
The Spin: The fact that they are even discussing Peterson playing
this season is mind bending. He is gearing up for an early return
in the regular season and in the meantime Gerhart will be the
bell cow.
The Takeaway: Gerhart had six rushes for 18 yards on Friday and
will have moderate to high(er) value depending on Peterson’s
return. He is not a game breaker, but he will be the featured
back, so that counts for something. Right?
New England Patriots
The
News: Tom
Brady and Brandon
Lloyd have work to do.
The Spin: CBSSports.com reports that Tom Brady and Brandon Lloyd
have been “eerily familiar to how (Chad) Johnson performed
last preseason,” as Lloyd had only one catch for 12 yards
in a three-quarter performance on Friday.
The Takeaway: I have to believe that Brandon Lloyd will be effective
this year; however, his midseason form may not come about until,
well, midseason. If you draft Lloyd, you should be prepared to
sit him for the first weeks of the season until you see encouraging
chemistry on gameday.
The News: Tom Brady could approach his 50-TD record-breaking
season this year.
The Spin: John Clayton, NFL analyst for ESPN, thinks that Tom
Brady should “easily throw for more than 40 touchdowns.”
Last year, tom Brady’s 39 TDs were epic enough, any more
would just be icing on the cake.
The Takeaway: If I could be guaranteed that Tom Brady would throw
40+ TDs this season, I would gladly take him as the #1 overall
pick without blinking. Draft Brady with reckless abandon this
year.
New Orleans Saints
The News: Darren Sproles has been shut down the rest of the preseason
to rest a minor knee injury.
The Spin: They say in New Orleans that Sproles would play if it
were a regular-season game. But then again, “they” say
a lot of things.
The Takeaway: This time to rest should keep the versatile Sproles’
value high as owners start drafting this week.
The News: Injuries have paved the way for a fourth and fifth position
at wide receiver. Who will impress against the Texans on Saturday?
The Spin: The team certainly opened the throttle up against the
Texans. Adding veteran Greg Camarillo this week gives some depth
to the roster.
The Takeaway: Joe Morgan seemed to be the big winner with three
catches for 68 yards and a long touchdown. Camarillo had a pair
of catches for 15 yards, and Courtney Roby, who looked like he had
the inside track, was shut out. The team is still waiting for rookie
Nick Toon to get back on the field, so things are cloudy at best
in this race.
New
York Giants
The
News: David
Wilson’s value continues to rise.
The Spin: With Ahmad Bradshaw resting his injured hand Friday against
the Bears, Wilson worked with the first team.
The Takeaway: He performed well with 49 yards on five carries and
a pair of catches for 26 yards. Bradshaw will be the starter, but
Wilson has shown both his speed and the ability to run hard and
even catch the ball a bit. It is looking like he might be worth
a late look and is a certain handcuff for Bradshaw.
New York
Jets
The
News: Tim
Tebow will not play in the final preseason game.
The Spin: An honor typically reserved for starters, the praying
man will take off the entire fourth preseason game at the decision
of the coaching staff. Usually, this is done to prevent injury
to your superstars such as Darrelle Revis or Santonio Holmes.
The Takeaway: This says to me that Tim Tebow is not truly a backup
QB. It is almost as if the Jets consider Tim Tebow a different
position than Mark Sanchez and consider them both starters. It
would take guts of iron to start Tim Tebow in fantasy, especially
early on, but I think that Tim Tebow is possibly in for more action
than previously expected.
The News: The Jets still haven’t scored a touchdown.
The Spin: Both QBs were miserably bad in week 3, Sanchez was
11/18, 0 TDs, 1 INT and Tebow was 4/13 0 TD, 1 INT. But, Santonio
Holmes was supposed to provide a spark you say! Following the
theme of “training camp holdouts aren’t the same guys
that year”, Santonio Holmes barely had his name called as
he caught 1/3 for 8 yards in his preseason debut.
The Takeaway: It’s still the preseason, so you don’t
want to get too caught up on anything, but no touchdowns when
Tebow or Sanchez have been behind center almost 100% of the time
is unacceptable. What will the Jets offense do when they have
to play against a starting defense for a full game?
Oakland Raiders
The
News: Carson
Palmer continues to throw interceptions.
The Spin: Palmer, who should have stayed retired as a Bengal,
threw two more interceptions in Week 3 of the preseason. Afterwards,
Terrelle Pryor played a good game, but there is no chance of Palmer
losing his started job to Pryor – at least not yet.
The Takeaway: For those keeping score at home, that’s 4
interceptions in three games in the preseason after 16 INTs in
10 games last season. Fantasy players should not start Carson
Palmer under any circumstances until something changes in Oakland.
Second Takeaway: Pryor may
end up becoming endeared to Raiders fans, and if so the boos will
get loud enough for Palmer to be benched. There could be a mini-Tebow
controversy in Oaktown.
Philadelphia Eagles
The
News: Michael
Vick somehow managed to get nicked up reading this headline.
The Spin: For a second straight preseason game, Vick refueled the
anxiety tank for Eagles fans. First week it was his thumb, this
time is was concerns over a rib injury after he was drilled during
the Patriots game.
The Takeaway: The Eagles have figured out that playing Vick the
remainder of the preseason might not be such a great idea. Maybe,
just maybe, he's a little injury prone.
The News: Is it time to start wondering about Nick Foles?
The Spin: Vick hasn’t shown the ability to stay healthy, so
with the hand injury to Mike Kafka, Foles suddenly has value as
their potential No. 2 quarterback.
The Takeaway: Foles has looked solid, including going 12 of 19 for
146 yards and a pair of scores Friday night. Vick has shown the
ability to get injured, so he might be someone to keep an eye out
on the waiver wire. Let’s not forget, if this offensive set
can make Kevin Kolb look good, anything is possible.
Pittsburgh
Steelers
The
News: Mike
Wallace is expected to be back in pads at any moment.
The Spin: According to multiple news sources, Mike Wallace is
supposed to show up and sign his tender sometime soon. As of this
writing, he has not yet done so, but missing training camp results
in an off-year or injury almost without exception.
The Takeaway: Mike Wallace could be back for Week 1, but who
knows if he will be in “football shape.” Temper your
expectations for the talented wideout once he does return, just
in case he doesn’t catch 1,200 yards and 10 touchdowns.
The News: John Clayton ranks Ben Roethlisberger as the #4 overall
quarterback.
The Spin: Of course, on-the-field performance does not always
equate to fantasy. After all, no points are awarded for dodging
a sack. However, #4 overall is quite high. Obviously, The Professor
thinks there is a statistically impressive season ahead for Big
Ben.
The Takeaway: If Big Ben is even a top-10 fantasy quarterback
this season it will be impressive, but don’t be surprised
if he can’t crack the top two within his own division behind
Joe Flacco and Andy Dalton this year.
St. Louis Rams
The
News: What will the Rams do at the wide receiver position?
The Spin: In hopes of improving their worst position last year,
does any player look to breakout this year?
The Takeaway: Brian Quick continues to be the name creating the
most buzz. The rookie missed practice due to back spasms earlier
in the week. He did see game action and had one catch for 39 yards
against Dallas. The team hopes to put him on the outside with Danny
Amendola in the slot to give Sam Bradford some options.
The News: Sam Bradford is looking good again.
The Spin: In taking apart the Chiefs last weekend, Bradford showed
no effects from a high ankle sprain that it was speculated might
need surgery. A good showing against the Cowboys would give the
Rams some optimism.
The Takeaway: Bradford looked like he was running for his life behind
a shaky offensive line for most of Saturday. He went 6 of 17 for
64 yards. Whatever momentum there might have been, the emergency
brake has been pulled back on. But if they don’t let go of
the brake soon, it might lead to another holding penalty.
San
Diego Chargers
The
News: Antonio
Gates and Philip
Rivers were healthy scratches for Week 3 of the preseason.
The Spin: The Chargers know what they have in their two best
offensive stars, so why risk them? Especially with Gates battling
foot injuries for years, it was a smart move on the part of the
Chargers.
The Takeaway: The O-line is currently decimated and there is
no need to risk their starters.
The News: The running back situation continues to be unclear
in Mathew’s absence.
The Spin: The Chargers are averaging 2.2 yards per carry without
Mathews this preseason. Part of that is due to the above lack
of O-line strength. The favorite to be Mathews’ backup,
Ronnie Brown, is running at a paltry 2.7 yards per carry.
The Takeaway: Late-round drafters are hoping for value from Ronnie
Brown in the Mathews-less games to come. However, if the O-line
woes don’t get resolved, it wouldn’t matter if Walter
Payton were in the Chargers backfield.
San Francisco 49ers
The
News: How are Brandon
Jacobs and LaMichael
James feeling?
The Spin: After a nasty helmet-to-knee hit, it looked as though
Jacobs’ season might be over. However, there is no structural
injury to his knee. James limped off the field after twisting his
ankle, but he was back in pads on Tuesday.
The Takeaway: Jacobs might be ready in Week 1 to poach some touchdowns
from Frank Gore or Kendall Hunter around the goal line. James is
an intriguing back, but where will the touches come from in an already
crowded backfield?
The News: What is going to happen with the new receivers?
The Spin: Randy Moss, Mario Manningham and first-round pick A.J.
Jenkins were added to the offense to potentially open things up
a bit. Is that really how is it going to play out?
The Takeaway: I doubt heavily the mindset is going to change in
San Francisco. They are going to pound the ball, rely on their defense,
and end up apologizing for something Jim Harbaugh says or does this
year. Something along the lines of, “He’s fiery,”
“We love playing for him,” or “He didn’t
know it was loaded.”
Seattle
Seahawks
The
News: Russell
Wilson gets the start against Kansas City and will start Week
1.
The Spin: He and Matt Flynn are running neck and neck, so it wasn’t
much of a surprise that Wilson got a chance to see what he could
do with the starters.
The Takeaway: Wilson was impressive Friday, making all the throws
and going 13 of 19 for 185 yards and a pair of scores with no interceptions.
He also had 58 yards on a pair of rushes, if the passing numbers
weren’t enough. As a result, Pete Carroll had no choice but
to name Wilson the starter and wonder what to do with Flynn... “How
can we defer some of Flynn’s cap number?” or “Can
he play wide receiver?”
The News: Sidney Rice made his preseason debut.
The News: After surgery on both shoulders in the offseason and still
suffering lingering effects from concussions, Rice finally got on
the field Friday.
The Takeaway: Even with limited play, Rice might be the Seahawks
best receiver. He caught one pass for eight yards. Braylon Edwards
had one catch for 32 yards, so at least Rice will have some help
this year. Hopefully it won’t just be to help him pop his
shoulder back in place.
Tampa
Bay Buccaneers
The
News: LeGarrette
Blount and Doug
Martin continue to battle.
The Spin: As he writhed on the ground after taking a shot near his
knee, Blount looked as though he had suffered a serious injury.
Fortunately for him, it was classified as a groin injury and he
was back on the practice field on Monday. Martin however took advantage
of his opportunity.
The Takeaway: With the position up for grabs and with Martin fighting
for lead back carries, it has been a tumultuous preseason for Blount.
Against the Patriots, he had seven carries for 22 yards. However,
Martin got the start, due to performance and not injury, and had
13 carries for 53 yards and a score and three catches for 12 yards.
At least after this game, Martin looks like he has the inside track.
The News: Mike Williams wants to make up for a lackluster 2011.
The Spin: He is coming off a year with only three scores and 700
yards after breaking out as a rookie in 2010.
The Takeaway: Vincent Jackson is the clear No. 1 receiver on the
team now. I find it hard to believe that the offense will be wide
open enough for a second wide receiver to post solid numbers. Williams
had one catch for 4 yards and Jackson had three catches for 49 yards.
Looks like a sign of things to come.
Tennessee
Titans
The
News: We will get to see more of Jake
Locker in preseason Week 4.
The Spin: According to head coach Mike Munchak, “I’d
like to see him play a half, get into the two-minute warning and
then call it a night.” This means that prospective fantasy
owners will get to see one more performance before signing up
if they should so decide.
The Takeaway: Jake Locker has looked good but not stellar in
this preseason, now there will be one more chance to evaluate
(and also get hurt) before being committed, if you’re a
believer in the Titans’ offensive chances this year.
The News: Rookie WR Kendall Wright makes a name for himself.
The Spin: First round draft pick Kendall Wright made good on
his potential in Week 3, catching 4 passes for 44 yards and a
TD in just one quarter.
The Takeaway: At least while Kenny Britt is out, Wright should
be started in all formats of fantasy, and if he does well enough,
he may cut into Nate Washington’s productions this season.
Washington Redskins
The
News: More questions at the running back position.
The Spin: Roy Helu and Tim Hightower will both be questionable for
the start of the season. This looked like a great opportunity for
Evan Royster to step up and seize the starting running back position.
The Takeaway: Of course not. Royster reported knee soreness and
missed the third preseason game against the Colts. Alfred Morris
was the next man in and he played well. He ran 14 times for 107
yards and a touchdown. The questions outnumber the backs at this
point. I hope you have a late draft.
The News: How will RGIII fare in his third NFL game?
The Spin: With a rocky second game against the Bears, Griffin gets
the chance to play not only against No. 1 overall pick Andrew Luck,
he gets a chance to thrive (one would hope) against a dicey Colts
team.
The Takeaway: He went 11 of 17 for 74 yards and a score. The plus
side is that the team made an effort to play the vertical game and
take a few cracks deep downfield. None of the throws connected,
but it is nice to see that as an option. The downside is that he
is still a rookie and his future remains unknown.
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